Description:

Canalex Clotrimazole 1% Cream 20g (by Luex) is a topical antifungal cream used to treat fungal skin infections caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds. It is indicated for conditions such as:

• Tinea infections (ringworm): tinea corporis (body), tinea cruris (jock itch), tinea pedis (athlete’s foot)
• Cutaneous candidiasis (yeast infection of skin folds, nappy rash with yeast)
• Pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor)
• Fungal infections in intertriginous areas (groin, under breasts, armpits) It works by inhibiting ergosterol synthesis in fungal cell membranes, leading to fungal cell death. In Ghana (Accra), it is a very common, affordable prescription/OTC antifungal cream widely available in pharmacies for skin fungal infections.

Prescription:

Over-the-counter (OTC) in Ghana for short-term use on minor fungal infections. No prescription required in most pharmacies; freely sold. Consult a doctor, dermatologist, or pharmacist if the condition is severe, widespread, involves broken skin, does not improve after 7–14 days, or shows signs of bacterial superinfection (pus, increased redness, swelling).

Therapeutic Category:

Topical Antifungal / Imidazole Antimycotic (Azole antifungal for superficial fungal infections).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each gram of cream contains:

• Active ingredient: Clotrimazole – 10 mg (1% w/w). Other ingredients (typical cream base): Cetostearyl alcohol, white soft paraffin, liquid paraffin, cetomacrogol, propylene glycol, sodium phosphate, purified water, chlorocresol (preservative), and fragrance. The cream is white to off-white, smooth, and has a mild medicinal scent.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Canalex Clotrimazole 1% Cream 20g (standard tube size). Related variants: Canalex Clotrimazole 1% Cream in 10g or 30g tubes (smaller/larger sizes), Canalex + Betamethasone (combination with steroid for inflamed fungal infections), or clotrimazole solution/powder for other sites. The 20g tube is a common retail size.

Consume Type:

Topical – Cream (applied externally to affected skin; not for oral, ophthalmic, or vaginal use unless specified).

Directions/Usage:

• Clean and dry the affected area gently.
• Apply a thin layer of cream to the affected skin and surrounding area 2–3 times daily (morning and evening, or as directed).
• Gently rub in until absorbed.
• Duration:
  • Most fungal infections: 2–4 weeks (continue for 1–2 weeks after symptoms clear to prevent recurrence).
  • Athlete’s foot: 2–4 weeks.
  • Tinea versicolor: 1–2 weeks.
• Do not cover with occlusive dressings (e.g., plastic wrap) unless prescribed (increases absorption and side effect risk).
• Wash hands after application (unless treating hands).

Common Side Effects: Common (local):

• Mild burning, stinging, itching, or redness at application site (usually transient).
• Skin irritation or dryness. Rare: Allergic contact dermatitis (severe rash, swelling – discontinue use), worsening of infection (if misdiagnosed).

Package Type:

Aluminium tube of 20g (with screw cap; often in individual carton or no carton; labelled with ingredients, uses, dosage, and manufacturer details).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep tightly closed. Do not freeze. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• For external use only; avoid eyes, mouth, mucous membranes, or deep wounds.
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to clotrimazole or any ingredient.
• Caution in pregnancy (safe topically but use sparingly), breastfeeding (avoid treated area), children (safe but consult for infants), or large areas/long-term use (risk of skin sensitization).
• If condition worsens, no improvement after 7–14 days, or signs of bacterial infection appear (pus, spreading redness), stop use and seek medical care.
• Do not use for viral (e.g., herpes) or bacterial skin infections without medical advice.
• Keep out of reach of children (overuse risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar clotrimazole 1% creams in Ghana (often 20g):

• Generic clotrimazole 1% cream (various importers).
• Canesten Cream (original Bayer brand – most common alternative).
• Clotrimazole Cream BP 1% (other brands like Candid, Mycoten).
• Alternatives: Miconazole 2% cream (Daktarin), ketoconazole 2% cream (Nizoral), terbinafine 1% cream (Lamisil – faster for tinea). Consult pharmacist/dermatologist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Korle Bu Dermatology) for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Luex Healthcare (Ghana-based or affiliated company; produces Canalex as part of its dermatology range). Marketed/distributed locally in Ghana by Luex Healthcare or pharmacies (widely stocked as local product).

Country of Origin:

Ghana (manufactured locally by Luex Healthcare or under license; widely available in Accra pharmacies as a local product).